NEW CASTLE, Del. - - Now in its ninth year of existence, the Wilmington University athletics department introduced 62 student-athletes as Academic All-Stars on Monday night at its annual Athletics Academic All-Star Banquet in the Audrey K. Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium.
The Wilmington student-athletes and their guests were treated to the story of local Delawarean and eight-time NCAA National Champion and two-time Olympian Vicki Huber-Rudawsky who spoke to the crowd following dinner.
Despite being an amazing runner in high school, at Villanova University, and for Team USA, Huber preached that her athletic story was "normal" just like the majority of those in attendance. She described four defining moments in her life that helped her overcome obstacles and injuries to pursue her dream.
"I believe that failure means your story isn't over yet," Huber said at the end her speech. "But I hope that success means the same thing. Keep dreaming and keep writing your own book."
Wilmington University Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations Dr. Tina Barksdale, Director of Athletics Dr. Stefanie Whitby, Associate Director of Athletics Brian August, and Assistant Director of Athletics Erin Harvey followed with announcing this year's 62 Academic All-Stars and handing out awards.
In order to qualify as a Wilmington University Academic All-Star, a student-athlete must carry a minimum a 3.50 cumulative GPA.
Wilmington, the second university in the state of Delaware to hold Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society status, also recognized one individual that became a third-year honoree of the academic honor society, seven individuals that became second-year honorees, and inducted eight more outstanding individuals into the 2018 class.
In order to be inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society, a student-athlete must carry a 3.5 or greater cumulative GPA and be of junior academic status at the beginning of their fifth semester.
Chi Alpha Sigma's purpose is to: encourage and reward high academic scholarship of college athletes at four-year accredited colleges and universities; to recognize outstanding academic achievement by intercollegiate varsity letter winners; to encourage good citizenship, moral character, and friendship among the high academic achievers in college athletics, to recognize and honor the individual athlete, his/her team, sport, athletic department, and college or university; and to mentor and to provide leadership to other athletes.
2018 Wilmington University Athletics Academic All-Star Banquet
Academic All-Stars:
Baseball: Ryan Bradigan, Tyler Campbell, Max Carney, Chuck Delagol, Dakota Graham, Nick Grant, Zach Rumford, Brad Scull
Women's Basketball: Mikala Casimir, Lisa Eller, Jonna Maddox, Jadyn Whitsitt
Women's Bowling: Leah Henry, Rachel Hirst, Malia Stout
Cheerleading: Keana Alvarez-Mingoia, Kristen Basquill, Tori Grable, Jona Marrero, Shannon Pratt
Cross Country: Nicole Brevoort, Gabrielle Brown, Tori Crawford, Alexa Crowell, Korey Jeffries, Tara Langan, Tara McDonald, Miguel Suero
Golf: Enrique Valverde
Men's Lacrosse: James Colligan, Jake Gies
Women's Lacrosse: Lisa Eller, Stephanie Jubb, Delaney Steele, Nicole Strong, Briana Vieyra, Christina Ziegler
Men's Soccer: Lorne Bickley, Alberto Coehlo, Joel Flores, Sam Jester, Daniel Loyo, Callum McHale, Manuel Ruiz Luque, Dimitrios Topouzlis
Women's Soccer: Daryan Fennell, Alexandra Keck, Krysta Memis, Taylor Mocknis, Alexa Smalley, Kate Tubo
Softball: Rosa'Lynn Burton, Annie Davila, Jazmeen Llamas, Makayla McCarthy
Women's Tennis: Laura Gil, Begona Gomar, Jane Malygina, Mallory Nolte
Volleyball: Jenna Brown, Mandy Behiels, Emma Kongevold, Miranda Shaw
2018 Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society:
First Year Inductees: Lisa Eller, Miguel Suero, Christina Ziegler, Callum McHale, Alexa Smalley, Jazmeen Llamas, Laura Gil, Miranda Shaw
Second Year Honorees: Chuck Delagol, Nicole Brevoort, Gabrielle Brown, Korey Jeffries, Tara Langan, Stephanie Jubb, Jenna Brown
Third Year Honoree: Zach Rumford